I was looking to book our pre/post cruise hotel in San Francisco soon for 1 night each on September 25th and October 6th. I think I might be booking too early though.

When do you usually book your rooms?

I would like to use Hotwire as the hotel I am looking at is usually on there but I think it is way to early for that as it seems like 30-60 days prior to arrival are when the best deals are offered.

Years ago it use to be that the later you booked the better the deal...That is not true anymore...You should have been booked already...Cruise lines give bigger discounts now the earlier you book. I book one year in advance.

Another reason I book early is to get the exact room I want. You see I want to make sure the night club or dinning room or any other loud venue is not right below my room...I pick out the best location for my room category..So how can you beat the best room with the best price...BOOK early...

With hotels the only thing that matters in availability, I book them as far out as possible because I want to get the best deal I can.

The prices remain pretty consistent with hotels (not changing as much as air or cruises week to week) until they start to fill up (which is somewhat rare) but when they DO fill up they can really gouge you.